The marine and coastal environment plays an important role in climate change adaptation and mitigation. Coastal habitats such as sand dunes, salt marshes, seagrass, kelp and shellfish beds are nature-based solutions that provide coastal protection and carbon storage. There is increasing recognition of the need to protect and restore these habitats. Marine renewable energy provides opportunities to transition towards the net zero emissions target, however decision support tools are needed to ensure development proposals consider potential impacts to marine environment.

The marine environment is transboundary in nature and is well suited for cross-border collaboration. The extent and severity of the situations to be addressed differs across the Programme Area. On this basis, area-based studies will be required to develop bespoke, place-based solutions. This collaboration will result in an improved performance in achieving related targets set at national and European levels. It will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits, with the view to have a sustainable, lasting legacy across the Programme Area.